Camera-supporting carrying case

Abstract

A camera case comprising two mating shells. A swivelable mounting device on the first shell allows a camera to be mounted to that shell for taking photographs. In their mated relationship, the shells fully enclose the camera. The shells are connected by a flexible or hinged strap, or by the swivelable camera mounting device itself, whereby the second shell can be rotated so as to serve as a stable base supporting the first shell, with the camera mounted to it for taking photographs, on any convenient generally horizontal surface.

I claim: 
     
       1. A camera case adaptable for stably supporting a camera on a generally horizontal surface for taking photographs, said case comprising: a substantially rigid first shell;   a substantially rigid second shell adapted for mating to said first shell, said first and second shells when in mated relationship defining a protective enclosure for a camera, said second shell being further adapted to provide a stable freestanding upright base when placed on a generally horizontal surface;   connecting means for connecting said first and second shells, said connecting means allowing relative rotation of said shells between said mated relationship and a camera supporting relationship wherein said first shell is mounted to, and supported by said second shell;   camera mounting means for mounting a camera to said first shell, said camera mounting means being adjustable to position a said camera selectively for taking photographs and for containment within the enclosure defined by said shells when said shells are in said mated relationship, said camera mounting means including gimbal means affording a said camera mounted thereon freedom of rotation in at least two directions;   a carrying strap attached to said first shell for supporting said camera case; and   releasable closure means for retaining said first and second shells in said mated relationship.   
     
     
       2. A camera case in accordance with claim 1, wherein said connecting means include said gimbal means. 
     
     
       3. A camera case in accordance with claim 2, wherein said camera mounting means are rigidly attached to said first shell and said gimbal means mount said first shell to said second shell for rotation in at least two directions. 
     
     
       4. A camera case in accordance with claim 3, wherein said restraining means comprises clamping means for releasably immobilizing said gimbal means. 
     
     
       5. A camera case in accordance with claim 1, wherein said connecting means includes a connecting strap attached at its ends to said first and second shells. 
     
     
       6. A camera case in accordance with claim 5, wherein said connecting strap is flexible. 
     
     
       7. A camera case in accordance with claim 5, wherein said connecting strap is substantially rigid and is hingedly attached at its ends to said first and second shells. 
     
     
       8. A camera case in accordance with claim 1, wherein said gimbal means comprise a ball and socket. 
     
     
       9. A camera case adaptable for stably supporting a camera on a generally horizontal surface for taking photographs, said case comprising: a substantially rigid first shell;   a substantially rigid second shell adapted for mating to said first shell, said first and second shells when in mated relationship defining a protective enclosure for a camera, said second shell being further adapted to provide a stable freestanding base when placed on a generally horizontal surface;   gimbal means for connecting said first and second shells, said gimbal means allowing relative rotation of said shells in at least two directions and between said mated relationship and a camera supporting relationship wherein said first shell is mounted to, and supported by said second shell;   releasable camera mounting means for rigidly mounting a camera to said first shell for taking photographs and for containment within the enclosure defined by said shells when said shells are in said mated relationship;   releasable clamping means for immobilizing said gimbal means and thereby rigidly retaining said first and second shells in any desired relationship;   a carrying strap attached to said first shell for supporting said camera case; and   releasable closure means for retaining said first and second shells in said mated relationship.   
     
     
       10. A camera case in accordance with claim 9, wherein said camera mounting means are rigidly attached to said gimbal means.